Ireland stands firmly on the side of the Palestinians – A diplomatic storm!

Ireland stands firmly on the side of the Palestinians – A diplomatic storm!

Ireland stands firmly with the Palestinians, despite angry reactions from Israel!

The diplomatic waves are rising! Ireland has decided to join the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa and sue Israel for genocide in Gaza. This bold decision has further strained already tense relations with Israel. The withdrawal of the Israeli ambassador from Dublin is just the tip of the iceberg in a conflict that has been building up over years.

On Monday, after the closure of the Israeli embassy in Ireland, the new Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke badly of Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris. He accused Harris of anti-Semitic statements and stated: "There is a difference between criticism and anti-Semitism, which is based on the delegitimization and dehumanization of Israel." But Harris countered sharply and refused to be intimidated: “Ireland will not be silenced!”

Ireland and the Palestinian Cause

Irish politicians have been vocal in their opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza in recent months. This attitude reflects widespread opinion among the Irish population, which sees the occupation of the Palestinians as a reflection of the centuries-long English occupation of Ireland. Fatin Al Tamimi, vice-president of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, puts it best: “People here immediately understand what we are going through.” Her own sister is stuck in Gaza and despite criticism of Israel, she is demanding more action from the Irish government, including a ban on trade with Israel.

“When I say that I am Palestinian, they understand immediately, but I still have to explain to them what occupation and apartheid really mean,” Al Tamimi said. This connection between Ireland and Palestine is deeply rooted and is seen by many as a matter of moral decency.

The reactions from Israel

Israeli media coverage of Ireland's decision was limited but sharp-tongued. An article in the Times of Israel claimed that Ireland "hates the Jews" and cited the country's Christian heritage as a reason for its opposition to Israeli military action. Israeli MP Ofer Cassif pointed out that the Israeli government should not take this criticism seriously as it is often dismissed as anti-Semitism.

“It’s the usual game: any criticism is immediately branded as anti-Semitism,” said Cassif. But while Ireland stands as an outsider in the EU that does not unconditionally support Israel, support for the Palestinians remains strong and widespread in Irish society.

The Irish government has campaigned not only verbally but also politically for the recognition of a Palestinian state. That decision, made in May this year, drew the ire of the Israeli government and led to the ambassador being temporarily recalled.

“Support for Palestine in Ireland is deep-rooted and cuts across all social classes,” explains Ray Murphy, professor at the Irish Center for Human Rights. "There are hardly any gray areas; people just see it as the right thing to do." This steadfast stance could be tested in the future, especially if pressure from the US increases.

However, the Irish people remain steadfast. Fatin Al Tamimi describes her children's longing to visit and live in the Palestinian homeland. "They are Irish citizens, but they are also Palestinians. That is an identity they cannot shed."